An Aspiring Planner
Having been born and raised in Chicago, I have always been amazed with urban areas. With its colossal skyscrapers, Midwestern charm, and blending of cultures, Chicago is a prime example of how glorious and beautiful a city can be. At the same time that the Windy City’s unique spirit has mesmerized me, I have also been amazed by the order that exists amongst the hustle and bustle of such a thriving metropolis. This process of creating structure and organization is what drew me to the field of urban planning. In other words, I wanted to comprehend the “nuts and bolts” that allow a city to function as well as be an active participant in its overall development.
Despite their apparent magnificence, cities like Chicago have a fair share of issues. Rising rates of congestion on major thoroughfares, a lack of affordable housing, the need for more efficient means of public transit, and the ineffective allocation of public funds are just a few dilemmas that are affecting urban dwellers. It will be the responsibility of urban planners and other city officials to address these issues and in turn, enable these places to have a brighter future. It is my goal to become one of those individuals working for the greater good of an urban area. That is, my dream is to one day work as a land use planner or planning consultant. With such occupations, I would do my utmost best to make sure all of a city’s communities are livable, equitable, accessible, and sustainable places. From neighborhood revitalization to the implementation of sustainable practices, I hope to effectively address the myriad issues and key challenges that confront an urban planner.